Relevance of the ultrassonography in breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer in Brazil is already the leading cause of death from malignant disease in women. The breast ultrasound has gained prominence in the conduct of breast clinics after the technological development of modern appliances. Ultrasonography has been consolidated as an important diagnostic method of breast diseases. Besides being able to diagnose some injuries early suspicions not seen on mammograms, help in the differentiation of cystic and solid nodules and in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions. Ultrasonography is a widespread diagnostic method, used as an adjunct to mammography in cases of abnormal mammographic or clinical findings, or as first choice in special situations, such as pregnancy, lactation, young women and during inflammatory states of the breast. The best interests of the application of ultrasound as a screening tool appears to be concentrated in younger women with high familial risk. In this group, ultrasonography can detect a tumor in 0.48% of women with breast density 2-4, and 0.42% being 3-4 with breast density. In women with no risk factors, the rate drops to 0.18%